COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – Over 150 hockey teams came out for pond hockey on frozen Mallett’s Bay during the 13th annual Pond Hockey Classic.
“We can warm up after, no time like the present to have fun,” said spectator, Danny Rocheleau.
The pond hockey format differs from traditional hockey. This version has four players from each team on the ice with no goalie and two fifteen-minute halves.
Aziz Fatnassi of Burlington has played hockey for 37 years and used to teach, and coach, the club hockey team at Champlain College. He and some of his students formed a team nine years ago.
“We kind of started this as an alumni get together and it’s been a tradition ever since,” Fatnassi said.
Despite everyone moving away, they all come back to play together. Playing on the lake has a different feel, according to players.
“You can’t do it on your own on the ice, the puck bounces, you bounce, other players bounce, sometimes into each other so yeah passing is really the name of the game, but also passing is hard because it’s bumpy,” Fatnassi said.
Outdoor conditions create an authentic experience, according to Stowe hockey player Evan Carty.
“It’s like the pure form of hockey, how we all grew up playing on the pond, outside in the elements the ice isn’t perfect,” Carty said.
Eight-year-old Quinn Carney has come out every year of her life to cheer on her Uncle Chris, known to teammates as Critter.
“It’s great a little extra motivation when the niece comes to watch…got to show her I can still play hockey,” said Critter Furlani.
The cold temperatures did not stop players and fans from keeping warm.
“You know you don’t live in Vermont if you don’t like the cold. Here we are, everybody, most people, are having a good time,” Rocheleau said.
Games continue until 5 p.m. on Sunday. The winning team gets bragging rights and their name engraved on a trophy, which will live at Windjammer Restaurant & Upper Deck Pub in Burlington.
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